This bill, titled the Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program Act, authorizes and establishes a program within the Department of Labor to recognize employers' voluntary commitment to comprehensive safety and health management systems. The program, known as the Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), aims to encourage excellence and acknowledge achievements in protecting employees from occupational hazards. Key components of these systems include systematic hazard assessment, prevention programs, active management and employee participation, and employee safety training. To participate, employers must submit an application demonstrating their worksite meets specific requirements, conduct annual self-evaluations, and undergo onsite evaluations by Department of Labor representatives. While onsite evaluations will not result in citations, any serious hazards identified must be corrected promptly. A significant benefit for approved worksites is an exemption from programmed inspections during their participation in the VPP. The legislation also mandates the Secretary of Labor to modernize the technology used to administer the program, including the application process and reporting, within two years. It establishes a tiered challenge program to serve as a safety and health management system evaluation tool. Furthermore, the bill requires the Secretary to develop policies for monitoring program performance, ensuring consistent compliance by regional offices, and establishing specific performance goals and measures for the VPP. The Act also ensures a smooth transition from existing voluntary protection programs and allocates at least 5 percent of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's annual funding to carry out its provisions.
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresDepartment of LaborWorker safety and health
Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-2844| House
| Updated: 3/3/2026
This bill, titled the Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program Act, authorizes and establishes a program within the Department of Labor to recognize employers' voluntary commitment to comprehensive safety and health management systems. The program, known as the Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), aims to encourage excellence and acknowledge achievements in protecting employees from occupational hazards. Key components of these systems include systematic hazard assessment, prevention programs, active management and employee participation, and employee safety training. To participate, employers must submit an application demonstrating their worksite meets specific requirements, conduct annual self-evaluations, and undergo onsite evaluations by Department of Labor representatives. While onsite evaluations will not result in citations, any serious hazards identified must be corrected promptly. A significant benefit for approved worksites is an exemption from programmed inspections during their participation in the VPP. The legislation also mandates the Secretary of Labor to modernize the technology used to administer the program, including the application process and reporting, within two years. It establishes a tiered challenge program to serve as a safety and health management system evaluation tool. Furthermore, the bill requires the Secretary to develop policies for monitoring program performance, ensuring consistent compliance by regional offices, and establishing specific performance goals and measures for the VPP. The Act also ensures a smooth transition from existing voluntary protection programs and allocates at least 5 percent of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's annual funding to carry out its provisions.